The Penn's Grove record., 1887-09-03
UNCLE TOMS EEIRESS.

ONOlJG lOAI lILlItLOOs
Well, here 1t is, mother, in black
and white-an invitation from Uncle
Tom TO spend a few weeks at the
Heights" And Kate Clifton handed
the letter to her mother.
"Shall you go, Katie2"
s'Geln Hates dark eyes grew bril-
liant. "Why, l would not miss 1t for
the worldl 1t IS such fun to watch
Cousin Clara, and see how she tries to
please Uncle Tom. agreeing with all
he says, and pleases him always, for he
c~ontradicts even his own expressed
opinions, and then, when Clara joins
in, he tells her for once to have a mind
of her own. She expects to be his
heiress, and is trying very hard to Sc
cure the money, but it is wasting much
of her young life, and to me 1t seems
SO pitiful not to act ones self. But yet
l do get so much enjoyment out Of 1t
ALL"
"Well, go and comfort him all you
can, Katie. Even with his odd ways
and peculiar disposition he has always
been a good brother to me. I received
this letter from him yesterday, contain
ing a draft for 5000. He said: If
Katie comes, she may want some new
clothes.'"
s'He was kind. mother, but l need
nothing except my fare, as my ward
robe is in good condition. He never
likes waiting, SO father can send a tele-
gram to-day and will start tomorrow
wo-- Dinrfv IF tirnn fn fanE M U
trunk this afternoon"
Kate left on the early train, arrived
at the close of a beautiful autumn day,
found her uncle's carriage in waiting,
and was asking John, the driver, as
that dignitary held the carriage door
open. If they were all well at the
Heights, when she saw through the fast
gathering twilight her uncle on the
back seat.
You good uncle,' said Kate. "to
come and meet mel / am 80 glad to
see you'll Do you think the parrot will
know mer"
"After you have set us all crazy with
your wbistling l suppose she will"
laughed Uncle Tom.
John was putting the handsome bays
at their best pace, and they were nearly
home when Uncle Ten said:
"Clara does not know you are COM
ing; wont she look g%luIn?"
"Uncle Toni You ought to have
told heri / know she will be displeased
and won't care to see me-"
swell, the Heights are mine just at
present; / think l have Alright to choose
my own company"
Miss Clara came to the door as the
carriage drove up, but she could not
conceal her annoyance when she saw
Kate's bright, happy face.
"You did not expect me, Cousin
Clara, but here l am for quite a long
visit. And / am SO glad to see you
alii'' giving her cousin an affectionate
kiss.
Throw of your wraps here, Katie"
said uncle Tom, as they entered the
library. These October evenings are
quite cool; l will have a fire in your
ROOM"
1.-THE stoves are not up" said Clara,
"Never mind the stoves; there is a
nice fireplace, which ls much BETTER
answered her uncle. sdere you, Dick"
calling a boy, put a fire in Miss Cliff
toms ROOM"
The order was soon obeyed, although
Miss Clara strongly objected.
"Now for supper, Katie; are you
quite ready?"
''If you mean In appetite, I am quite
ready, uncle.t'
Kate gave a merry whistle as she
passed the parrots cage in the dining.
Ing room and laughed when the parrot
called ''Katiel Katlel'
you dear old Poll, to remember me
80 longl"
s.Who could forget such a crazy bag
gage2" said her uncle. "Can you play
the banjo now, or have you given 1t up
for the piano, which is more refined
and ladyllkep Clara Is practicing, and
plays in a very artistic manner"
swell, Uncle Tom, l must be truth
ful-you will admit that-so l do play
the banjo, uncle, much better than the
piano., although l practice the piano
more; but when l take the banjo l can
play Just to suit me-"
we Will see." said uncle Tom, ''for
I like your music. Katie"
u.The old banjo is all out OF Joint; /
suppose 40 n has touched 1t since l
was here 80 long ago."
AZ will get it," said Uncle Tom,
leaving the room. perhaps we can
patch 1t up a little"
He soon came back and handed Kate
o box.
"Oh, what a beautyl" exclaimed
Kate, lifting a banjo from the ca with
sparkling eyes. On, it is lovelyl and
know it must be full OF musicI"
Kate's voice was rich, full and
sweet. "a home voice." uncle Tom
called it, end it seemed so good to have
her with him again-hIs little wild
Katie he always called her. But OF
course Clara was to be his mistress
she was an orphan, and had been his
care for so long.
The evening seemed all too short for
Uncle Tom.
The next morning was dark and rainy,
and a. Kate entered the library she
noticed how dingy 1t looked. The paper
had been on for many years, the ceiling
smoky, the furniture SCARED and worn;
tn air-tight stove did not make it look
more cheerful, only doing duty for
warmth.
="Good morning, Uncle Tom," said
Kate. "What a poky old roomr"
"a whatfn said Uncle Tom, scowl'
IA pcky old room," Kate answered.
ST al ma Ax IL mn. 40 that Won can haYe